Coaxial line coupling



UE- 19, 1947. F. L.. SALISBURY COAXIAL LINE COUPLING Filed March 5l, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet l Il l. 1f!

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coAxIAL LINE coUPLING Filed March 31, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 IV n INVENTOR Fefo-R/CK Ma/sauer BY Mp9 #am Irl-roma(V Allg 19, 1947. F L. SAUSBURY 2,425,834

COAXIAL LINE COUPLING Filed March 31, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 123 @ff A oRNEY Patented Aug. 19, 1947` COAXIAL LINE COUPLING West Hempstead, N. Y.,

Frederick L. Salisbury,

assignor to Sperry G yroscope Company, Inc.,

a corporation of New York Application March 31, 1943, Serial No. 481,359

My invention relates to electrical transmission lines and is particularly concerned with coupling construction for coaxial conductor transmission lines.

Flexible and rigid coaxial conductor transmission lines of good characteristics have been recently developed for handling ultra high frequency energy. The attendant problem of coupling such lines to each other or to rigid instrument ttings has proved difficult. Several types of couplings for this purpose have already been designed to my knowledge but most of these are rather cumbersome and complicated mechanically and usually inefiicient electrically.

Hence it is a major object of the invention to provide novel couplings for coaxial conductor transmission lines, which couplings are mechanically simple and efficient, easy to attach to the line, and of good electrical efliciency.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel coupling clamp construction for securely attaching the end of a coaxial conductor flexible transmission line to a coupling.

It is a further object of the invention to provide novel coupling arrangements for attaching a flexible coaxial conductor transmission line to various terminal ttings such as throughpanel ttings, tube output terminals and the like.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel coupling construction for attachment to a coaxial conductor iiexible transmission line wherein the coupling embodies an expansion chamber for receiving the end of the outer insulation covering of said line.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel coaxial line coupling capablev of easy and speedy assembly to a coaxial line under iield conditions.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a simple coaxial-line coupling which is electrically eflicient at ultra-high frequencies.

Further objects of the invention will presently appear as the description proceeds in connection with the appended claims and the annexed drawings wherein:

Fig. l is mainly a section through the axis of a iiexible coaxial line and coupling embodying a preferred form of the invention;

Figs. 2, 3 and 4 are sectional views illustrating successive assembly steps in attaching the flexible coaxial line to the coupling members in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is mainly a section through the flexible cable clamping section of a coupling similar to 9 claims. (ci. 174-881 that of Fig. 1 but having an independent outer clamp member;

Fig. 6 is mainly a section through the axis of a heavy duty llexible coaxial line and coupling assembly comprising a further embodiment of the invention and employed with a throughpanel iitting;

Fig. '7 is a section illustrating a ilexible coaxial line and coupling assembly comprising a further embodiment of the invention employing certain coupling features of Fig. 1 and clamp coupling features of Fig. 6

Fig. 8 is an exploded view, partly in section, illustrating the manner of assembly of the dexible line and coupling in Fig. 6 or 7;

Fig. 9 is an axial section through a coaxial line and coupling assembly of further embodiment of the invention, employing' a simple form of through-panel fitting;

Fig. 10 is an exploded view, partly in section, illustrating the manner of assembly of the structure of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is an axial section through a coupling and coaxial line assembly having a stranded inner conductor;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the female tip attachment member for the stranded inner conductor of Fig. 1l;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary view, partly in axial section, illustrating a male tip attachment on the stranded inner conductor;

Fig. 14 is mainly an axial section illustrating a different embodiment of the flexible coaxial line and coupling assembly of the invention.;

Fig. 15 is substantially a perspective View showing the clamp sleeve to be inserted between the outer insulation and the outer conductor in the assembly of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is an exploded view showing the manner of assembly of the parts of Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is an axial section through a coupling illustrating a further embodiment of the invention, illustrated as attaching a flexible coaxial line to a rigid coaxial terminal;

Fig. 18 is an exploded view illustrating the manner of assembly of the coupling of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is an axial section illustrating the coupling of Fig. 17 used with a, through-panel fltting;

Fig. 20 is an axial section through a coupling generally similar to that of Fig. 17 but of slightly different details in construction;

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary section illustrating an optional form of inner conductor tip which may be used in the coupling of Fig. 20; and

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary section illustrating the couplings of Figs. 17 and 20 embodying a modifled holding member.

Referring to Fig. 1, therein is illustrated a coupling between a flexible coaxial conductor transmission line II and a rigid coaxial line terminal I2. Line II comprises a solid wire inner conductor I3 suillciently small in diameter to be readily flexible, a coaxial outer conductor I4 which may be a braided metal tubular sheath as shown, continuous tubular insulation I5 occupying the space between the inner and outer conductors, and an outer insulating covering I6 which may be of rubber, neoprene or some rubber-like material as shown. Where the cable is flexible, insulation I5 is of elastic material having the required dielectric properties.

The coupling comprises a tubular metal member I1 having at one end an inclined annular or conical relatively short clamping face I8 projecting between outer conductor I4 and insulation I5 so as to nare the former outwardly as illustrated. Face I8 is preferably inclined at an angle of about 30 with the line axis for best practical results, although the angle may vary between 20 and 45 for different purposes. In any event, the angle should be large enough so that face I6 need enter only a short distance within the outer conductor to obtain full contact, and so that the outer conductor is flared outwardly enough to be gripped by axially directed clamping forces. An annular collar I9, which surrounds member I1, is formed with an external thread 2| and an enlarged ange 22 having its periphery 23 formed to fit a wrench. Collar I9 is permanently fastened to member I1, as by soldering at common surfaces 24, so that collar I9 and member I1 eifectively comprise a rigid coupling body.

Internally, member I1 contains an insulator block 25 centrally apertured to accommodate a small hollow metal tube 26 which projects therefrom at opposite ends. Block 25 is preferably of non-yielding dielectric material rigid with member I1. and tube 26 is rigid with block 25. Tube 26 is longitudinally split as at 21, so asto provide expansible yinner conductor sockets at opposite ends of member I1. and is formed adjacent opposite ends with annular dimples 29 which provide tight electrical contact between tube 26 and inner conductor I3 in the assembly.

The coupling also comprises a holding member or nut 29 which is internally threaded at one end so as to fit with threads 2I and be rotatably adjustable on annular collar I9. Internally, holding member 29 is formed with an annular clamping face 3| for engaging the outer conductor op-l posite face I8 of the body member. As illustrated, face 3I is preferably arcuate so as to provide a narrow contact region wherein the outer conductor is tightly clamped when holding member 29 is drawn tight. This arrangement provides a higher pressure connection than can be obtained between two parallel inclined clamp faces for example, and has no sharp edges to injure or sever the conductor wires.` `If desired, the rounded clamp face may be on member I1 and the inclined clamp face on nut 29.

Beyond its clamping face, holding member 29 is formed with a relatively deep annular recess or groove 32 for receiving the free end of insulator covering I6. 'I'his eifectivelyrprovides a relatively narrow collar 33 integral with member 29 projecting between outer conductor I4 and the insulator covering. Holding member 29 is formed 4 also with an external wrench tting region indicated at 34.

Rigid line I2, which is substantially the usual rigid coaxial terminal provided on cavity resonator electron discharge tubes, comprises an outer conductortube 35 having an externally threaded' section 36 near its end. Conductor 35 fits telescopingly within body member I1 as illustrated. A nut 31, internally threaded so as to fit the threads of section 36, has an inwardly turned radial flange 38, cooperable with radial flange 39 on the end of member I1, so that conductor 35 and the coupling body are drawn into secure contact when nut 31 is tightened. Nut 31 is mounted on member I1 before collar I9 is soldered into place.

Inner conductor 4'I of the rigid line telescopes within the adJacent end of tube 26 similarly to conductor I3, so that tube 26 interconnects the inner line conductors. If the insulation between the conductors within the rigidfline extends to the end of the line as shown, it can be formed with a suitable recess 42 for freely receiving the end of tube 26.

Assembly of the flexible line and coupling of Fig. 1 is shown in Figs. 2A. First, the flexible line is cut away substantially as shown in Fig. 2. Then holding member 29 is mounted on the line by inserting collar 33 between the outer conductor I4 and insulation I6, and guiding insulation I6 into recess 32. Braided conductor I4 is then ared to accommodate the end of member I1. Member I1, with nut 31 thereon, is telescoped with insulator sleeve I5 as illustrated in Fig. 4 so that face I6 advances between the outer conductor I4 and sleeve I5, and inner conductor I3`enters tube 26. 'Iube 26 slips readily between sleeve I5 and inner conductor I3 because of the elasticity of insulation I5. At theV same time holding member 29 is threadedly engaged with the coupling body, andwhen member 29 is drawn tight the parts appear as in Fig. 1 with the inner line conductor in tight frictional contact with tube 26 and the outer line conductor securely clamped 'between the body and holding members.

Preferably the parts are so dimensioned that the inner diameters of conductor 35, member I1 and conductor I4 are equal. Also tube 26 is of thin metal so that it provides no appreciable changeln conductor diameter between conductors I3 and 4I which are of the same size. By so dimensioning these various parts of the coupling, substantially smooth coupling is provided between conductors 35 and I4 and between conductors 4I and I3. Also the various dielectric members within the body and lines are preferably dimensioned to provide a substantially continuous unchanging dielectric within the lines and coupling.

The coupling assembly shown in Fig. 5 is the same as that of Fig. 1, except that holding member 29 ,of Fig. 1 is replaced by separable thimble and nut members 43 and 44, respectively, performing substantially the same function. Thimble 43 is a thin conductive cylinder having a tapered end adapted to be inserted between the outer conductor I4 and insulation I6. The other end of thimble 43 is formed with clamping face 3I, similar to that in Fig. 1. and an external annular radial flange 45 cooperating with an internal radial annular flange 46 on nut 44.

'I'he free end of insulation I6 is received within the recess dened by an internal shoulder 41 on nut 44 and the outer surface of thimble 43. Nut 44 is threaded to member I1 at collar I9 and when drawn tight securely clamps the outer conductor between faces I8 and 3 I, and the parts are interrelated as in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 illustrates the invention as embodying a heavy duty coupling applied to a separate through-panel connection between two flexible coaxial lines. Coupling member I1 and collar I9 are rigid as in Fig. l although of slightly different dimensions. As in Fig. 5, the flexible line is clamped to the body by two separable parts. A relatively thin cylindrical thimble 48 is inserted between outer conductor I4 and insulation I6. Thimble 48 is formed with an internal annular inclined clamping face 49 opposite face I8, an external inclined annular clamping face 5I contacting the inner periphery of insulation I6, and an external annular radial flange 52. Face 49 is preferably inclined to the line axis a few degrees more than face I8 to provide a relatively narrow annular high pressure clamp region.

Holding nut 53, which is threaded to member I1 as in Fig. l, is formed with an internal shoulder 54 and a rounded internal `annular clamping face 55. Shoulder 54, flange 52 and part of face 5I define an annular expansion space 56 for receiving the free end of insulation I6. With the parts assembled as shown, when nut 53 is drawn tight, conductor I4 is clamped between thimble 48 and member I1, and insulation I6 is clamped between thimble 48 and nut 53. Cooperating clamping faces 5I and 55 squeeze the region of insulation I6 between them, and expansion chamber 56 is sufficiently large to accommodate flow of rubber or other insulation material from that region so that insulation I6 becomes terminated in an enlarged substantially annular rim 50 within the expansion space. This rim aids in resisting longitudinal pulls tending to separate the flexible line and coupling. Since the usual rubber containing or rubber-like material of which insulation I6 is generally comprised flows readily and becomes substantially set in shape after having been clamped for ashort time, rim 50 becomes more eiective for this purpose during the life of the coupling. Flange 52 prevents the insulation from interfering with the threaded connection between the holding member and body.

In Fig. 6, member I1 contains no central insulator block or hollow conductor as in Fig. 1. Instead, a sufficient length of line I I is bared down to insulation I5 to permit central conductor. I3

and insulation I5 to project a considerable distance into member I1, conductor I3 telescoping within hollow conductor tube 66 to continue the inner conductor through the coupling.

Rigid fitting 51 extends through mounting panel 58 and is clamped to the panel by means of a radial flange 59 and a nut 6 I. A pin 62, projecting within a suitable panel recess, prevents rotation of the fitting. Fitting 51 is formed with a reduced integral extension 63 telescoping with member I 1 of the coupling, and a, flexible sealing washer 64 is compressed between abutting surfaces of the tting and body. Nut 31 secures the coupling to the fitting in the same fashion that the coupling and terminal are secured together in Fig. 1.

Internally, fitting 51 contains a rigid insulating sleeve 65 in which is imbedded a hollow conductor tube 66 having spring terminals 61 for receiving conductor I3. Sleeve 65 preferably terminates about even with extension 63 and in substantial abutment with the end of insulation I5.

As indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 6, the fitting tightened secures the body may have a coupling of the same construction at each end, on opposite sides of the panel.

Fig. 7 illustrates a heavy duty coupling similar to that of Fig. 6 used between a flexible line and a rigid coaxial terminal such as in Fig. l. Body 68, which corresponds to an integral combination of parts I1 and I9 of Fig. 1, is formed with Wrench attaching flange 22, threaded portion 2| and inclined clamping face I8. In this form of the invention, nut; 31 is held on the body by a resilient snap ring and groove assembly at 10.

A tubular thimble 69 is inserted between the outer conductor and insulation I6, and is formed with an outwardly inclined annular flange 1I ter.-

minating in an external annular radial flange 12.

Flange 1I is formed with a conductor clamp face 13 and an insulator clamp face 14, both inclined to the line axis. The angle of inclination of face 13 is slightly larger than that of face I 8 to provide a narrow high pressure clamp region, as in Fig. 6. If desired face 13 may be arcuate, similar to face 3l in Fig. 1. Holding nut 15 is threaded on body 68 and is internally shouldered at 16 to provide an arcuate insulator clamping face 11.

When nut 15 is tightened, conductor I4 is clamped between body 68 and thimble 69 and insulation I'6 is clamped between thimble 69 and nut 15. As in Fig. 6, the shouldered and associated flange constructions of nut 15 and thimble 69 provide an expansion space for receiving the end of insulation I6. The coupling is secured to terminal I2 asin Fig. 1.

15 being now slipped forward into threaded engagement with the body member.

Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, an elongated body 18 which also serves as a through-panel fitting is formed with an integral panel engaging flange 19, threaded section 2| and inclined annular clamp face I 8. By means of holding member 29. outer conductor I4 is clamped to the body 18 similarly to Fig. 1.

Body 18 extends through a suitable aperture in mounting panel and is threaded beyond the panel for mounting a nut 8l which when to the panel. Within body 18 is an insulating sleeve 82 in which is mounted a section of solid conductor 83. A female connection to inner conductor I3 of line II is provided by a tube 84 extending through sleeve 82 and telescoped at opposite ends with conductors I3 and 83. Tube 84 has resilient end fingers providing'good electrical contact. Sleeve 82, conductor 83 and tube 84 are mounted in body 18 in the factory, conductor 83 being molded within body 18.

A male connection is provided by conductor 83 at the other end of body 18, the insulation being recessed at 85 to receive a female connection. If desired, of course, the body could be provided with female connectors at both ends simply by extending tube 84. Also, if desired, holding member 29 could be replaced by the heavy duty separate holding nut and clamp collar elements of Figs. 6 and 7.

An advantage of the above construction is that il; eliminates the need for separate coupling and through-panel fitting devices, thus saving an extra part in many installations.

Fig. 11 illustrates V`an adaptation of the couamas pling of Fig. 1 for stranded center conductor ilexible lines. The end of stranded center conductor Il is advanced within a split hollow conductor tube 81 which is advanced until part of the tube is well between the conductor and insulator sleeve Ii. Then solder is introduced through a suitable aperture It in lthe tube to make tube al a rigid extension of conductor Il. In this form of the invention. the insulator block .I within the body member has a central bore large enough to allow free passage of tube l1, and tube I1 functions similarly to tube 2l in Fig. 1 for providing connection to the center conductor of a terminal or the like at the other end of the coupling. Of course. tube l1 may be soldered to a solid inner conductor line where a female terminal is desired.

Fig. 13 illustrates a male end connector for a stranded center conductor line, which may also be used in the invention. This connector has a solid section l! shaped like the usual solid wire inner conductor, and a hollow end socket ll into which the stranded conductor end is threaded. Solder is introduced at aperture 92 to fasten the connector to the conductor.

The arrangements of Figs. ll-13 can be employed for adapting center conductor lines to any oi the earlier described embodiments of the invention herein.

Figs. 14-16 illustrate a further form of coupling for attaching a ilexible coaxial line to a throughpanel fitting. A tubular body 93 is formed with a wrench applying hange 9| and a threaded end section 95. Adjacent the flexible line, body Il is formed with an enlarged bore It and an annular generally concave shoulder 91 facing outwardly of the bore.

The .outer conductor I4 is surrounded within the coupling by a thin cylindrical thimble l having a tapered end 99 for ease in insertion between the outer conductor and insulation I6 and having an external radial flange III abutting the end of insulation I6. As shown in Fig. 14, outer conductor il projects through thimble al and is folded back externally about the sleeve inwardly of ange IM, so as to be clamped through a relatively narrow annular high pressure region between the inner end of thimble 98 and arcuate shoulder 91.

An insulation clamp collar |02 surrounds the insulation I6 at least partially coextensively with thimble 98. Collar IM is formed with a number of longitudinal slots |03 at its inner end to provide a resilient section capable of circumferential contraction. The inner peripheral end of collar |02 is contacted by an internal annular tapered face I in bore 96, which contracts the collar to form a restricted section Ill gripping and partly imbedded in insulation Il.

A holding nut |06, threaded on body section 95. is formed with an internal shoulder lll engaging the outer end of collar |I2 and is formed beyond the clamping sleeves with a throat |28 having a sliding llt with the flexible line.

Fig. 16 illustrates the manner of assembly of the coupling and ilexible line. Line is rst prepared as in Fig. 2 to bare the necessary lengths of inner andouter conductors. Then l nut |06 isslipped over the line end prior to insertion of thimble 98 between outer conductor Il and insulation il. Thlmble |02 is then slipped over the line so that the coupling parts are arranged as shown in the right side of Pig. 16. Conductor Il is folded back over thimble Il, as above explained. and the line end is inserted into 8 body ll until solid contact is made with shoulder 81. Holding nut Ill is moved up and tightened to draw the parts into the position shown in F18. 14.

As nut lill is drawn tight. shoulder Ill shifts collar |l2 toward shoulder 91, and face Ill serves to contract the end of collar |I2 and force it into insulation I6. This eiiectively clamps the holding nut to insulation i8. Since insulation Il abuts shoulder IUI and throat I is restricted as compared to the line diameter within the coupling. tightening of nut |06 also results in thimble 98 being urged and maintained solidly against shoulder 21. As in Fig. 6, insulation I5 provides the interconductor insulation within the coupling Through-panel iltting Il has substantially the same outer conductor connection as in Fig. 6, and fits telescopingly with body Il as illustrated, ilange 38 of nut 31 cooperating with snap ring Il seated in a groove on the body as in Fig. 7.

Insulator sleeve 05 contains a centrally imbedded solid conductor Il! having reduced end Iii on which are telescoped short split tubes I2 having the same outer diameter as conductor |09. Each tube ||2 forms a resilient socket for frictionally receiving the end of conductor Il. and the parts are so dimensioned that when nut 21 is drawn tight conductor I3 is well within tube ||2 and insulator sleeves 65 and li abut. Nut J1 and ring 1l are placed on body 93 prior to telescoping the body and panel iltting together.

As shown in Fig. 14, a duplicate coupling assembly may be employed at each end of tting l1.

In Fig. 17 another form of coupling is illustrated between the rigid coaxial terminal of a wavemeter or like resonator chamber ||2 and flexible line The coupling body comprises telescoped cylindrical inner and outer tubular metal members IM and H5. Outer member Iii is internally shouldered at lli for seating an insulating or dielectric disc ||`I, and at Ill for seating inner member Ill. Inner member ||4 is formed with an external'inclined shoulder over which the adjacent end of outer member III is turned inwardly as shown at Il. This arrangement solidly holds these members together as a substantially rigid body unit and maintains disc I1 against movement relative thereto.

Beyond inturned flange lll, inner member Ill is formed with a reduced diameter end portion I2| iitting between insulator sleeve i5 and braided conductor Il. A cylindrical clamp thimble|22 has a thin cylindrical end portion inserted between braid |4 and outer insulation Il. Thlmble |22 is formed with an external radial flange |23. and beyond flange |22 with an annular groove |24 and an inclined annular face |25 in order.

The adjacent end of outer conductor braid Il extends between opposed narrow inclined clamp faces |2l and |20' on extension |2| and thimble |22, and is turned outwardly between ilange Il and the adjacent end of thimble |22. Braid Il is thereby clamped between thimble |22 and the coupling body at clamp faces |20, I2l which are tapered the same as faces Il and 4l in Pig. 6. and between the inner end of thimble |22 and flange H9. This connection is made solid and permanent by ilowing solder onto the exposed end of braid Il. The solder sweats into the joint and `permeates a considerable distance from the external end .of braid Il into .the clamped braid section, thereby affording a mechanically strong and electrically elcient bond between outer conductor Il and the coupling body.

An externally threaded rotatable collar |26 is rotatably mounted on outer member II 5. A ring |21 soldered to outer member I I5 prevents separation of collar |26 from the body member, but permits sliding of collar |26 along the body member so as to permit the above-described soldering operation. A holding member |28 threadedly connected to collar I 26 is formed internally with a shoulder I 29 having a rounded pressure rim I3I.

Flange |23, groove |24 and shoulder |29 denne an expansion space for receiving and shaping the end of insulation I6 which ows under compression as the coupling parts are drawn together.

As illustrated, insulation I abuts firmly against the disc ||1 so that no air gap exists therebetween. It is desirable that the melting point of disc I I1 be sufficiently high to-avoid softening when soldering is done in the coupling.

Opposite the flexible line end, the coupling is externally formed with a :Iiange |33 for retaining a rotatable and slidable nut |34 adapted to threadedly fit with the projecting rigid outer conductor I 35 from chamber I| 3. Body member II5 .telescopes within conductor |35, and a resilient washer |36 provides a Water and gas tight seal when nut I 34 is drawn tight.

Inner conductor I3 telescopes within a hollowv metal tube |31 which is rigidly fastened to disc II1 as illustrated. In practice, I provide inner and outer coatings of solder for tube |31 andthe exposed end of conductor I3, so that application of a hot iron will solder them together when assembled as shown, thus providing a strong mechanical and eiilcient electrical bond.

When the coupling is attached to such a rigid fitting as is shown in Fig. 17, the end of tube |31 telescopes frictionally into the tubular outer end |38 of a rigid center conductor I 39 which forms an antenna loop Within the resonant chamber.

With reference to Fig. 18, which demonstrates the assembly of the coupling with a flexible line under field conditions, only three separate parts must be handled during assembly, thus reducing complexity and danger of loss. One such part comprises holding member |28, the second is' thimble |22, and the third comprises a'factory assembly of the remaining elements of the coupling. This factory assembled part comprises members ||4 and I I5 held together with disc I I 1 by spinning over flange IIB, tube |31 rigid with disc II1, and nut |34 and collar |26 mounted as shown on the body member.

During attachment of the coupling in the field, holding member 28 is first slipped over the cable end as shown in Fig. 18 and then thimble |22 is inserted between the braid and insulation as illustrated. Then, the various conductor and insulations of the cable having been cut to size, the end of bared insulation I5 is thrust into the factory assembled part, with conductor I3 extending through tube |31 and extension |2| entering between braid I4 and sleeve I5. With collar |26 held back as illustrated, the end `of braid I4 is available for soldering as above described. Then holding member |28 is advanced into threaded engagement with collar |26, the latter being rotated to draw the coupling tight.

As the coupling is drawn tight, flexible insulation I6 extends and iiows into the expansion space, there being molded to. provide a locking bead resisting axial pull on the cable. This bead formation is accentuated by groove I 24. It is important to note that member |28 is held stationary as the coupling is drawn tight, so that there 1I) is no twisting of insulation I6 during the union. Flange |23 acts like flange 52 in Fig. 6 to prevent insulation from interfering with the threaded connection between the body and holding member |28.

'Ihe final operations comprise applying a hot iron to extended conductor I3 to solder tinned tube |31 to conductor I3, and then clipping off the exposed end of conductor I3 even with tube |31. The coupling is then complete and ready for use, as in Fig. 17. Observing the above precautions, I prevent any undesirable changes in line impedance due to abrupt changes in conductor diameter ratios at .the coupling and provide a coupling which in that respect is substantially as eiiicient as a continuation of either line.

In Fig. 19, two flexible lines are indicated as attached together by a hollow metal throughpanel fitting formed at each end similarly to 'rigid outer conductor |35 of Fig. 17 for attachment to couplings of the above-described type. Tube |4| is relatively short, and the inner conductor is projected therethrough by means of a longitudinally split sleeve |42 which telescopes at opposite ends with tubes |31 of the respective couplings.

Sleeve |42 is formed near one end with a detent |43 adapted to snap into a depression |44 on tube |31 of one coupling. In assembly, sleeve |42 is mounted on a tube I 31 prior to bringing that coupling and fitting I4| together. Then the tube |31 of the other coupling slips frictionally into sleeve 42 when that coupling is attached. This construction can be employed for cable splices, and repairs as well as for through-panel fittings.

The assembly of Fig. 20 is similar to that of Fig. 17, but comprises five coupling parts to be handled in the field. Here the members II4 and I |5,"and disc ||1 with tube |31 attached, are separate members instead of being included in a factory assembly as in Fig. 1'1. This arrangement may be useful where different types of center conductor terminals may be desired. In this assembly, it will be noted, members I|4 and II5 are not held together by the spun flange IIB of Fig. 17 so that, when collar |26 and holding member |28 are uncoupled, inner member ||4 may be withdrawn from outer member I|5 to dismantle the coupling. A ring |45 serves as a solder dam to prevent solder from flowing between members I I4 and I I5. In this embodiment, in order to prevent rim |3| from compressing the insulation so thin as to weaken it appreciably, or even possibly sever it, I provide a stop formation |32 on flange |23 cooperating' with a similar formation on holding member |28 for maintaining a safe spacing between flange |23 and rim I3I.

Fig. 21 illustrates an adapter for insuring that the center conductor terminal of the coupling is of a desired size, such as the same diameter as conductor I3. Instead of tube |31, disc ||1 has secured thereto a pin |46 having a hollow base for receiving the end of conductor I3 and a projecting tip of the same diameter as conductor I3. If desired, the projecting tip of pin |46 could be omitted and its place taken by a projection of conductor I3.

Some materials employed in insulation I6 may have cold ilow properties which may tend in time v to loosen the grip of the coupling on insulation I6. Figure 22 shows an arrangement for avoiding this difficulty. Instead of making the holding member as a single piece of metal as in Fig. 17,

l1 it comprises three elements including an outer holding member |28 having an internal radial flange |41. Within nange I" are located an annular ring ill of good grade rubber or some other highly elastic material and a metal ring ill formed with a pressure rim lli.

When the coupling is drawn tight, pressure transmitted through ring ill causes 'deformation of ring I as illustrated. The elastic properties of ring I insure that throughout the life of the coupling a constant force will be active to prevent cold ilow of insulation Il away from the expension space.

It will be understood that features of the various illustrated embodiments of the invention may be interchanged without departing from the spirit of the invention.l While single center conductor coupling arrangements only have been described, the invention is of course equally applicable to couplings and conductors embodying multiple inner conductor arrangements. Further. although the invention is especially adaptable for ultra high frequency transmission lines, it is usable for lower frequency and direct current transmission lines wherein its mechanical advantages are equally valuable.

A portion of the subject matter herein is disclosed and claimed in divisional application Serial No. 720,764, filed January 8, 1947.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and rrange of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:

1. In a coaxial-line-type coupling for use with ultra-high frequency wave energy, the combination comprising a hollow body member having a bore of diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the outer conductor of a coaxial line to be coupled to said coupling, a thin-walled central conductor mounted coaxially of said body member in a bore-filling insulating support, said central conductor having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the inner conductor of said coaxial line, one end of said central conductor being formed for interiitting with the inner conductor of said coaxial line to provide a substantially smooth continuation thereof. and hollow outer conductor holding means threadedly secured to said body member 'adjacent said one end and adapted to hold said outer conductor as a smooth continuation of said body member bore, whereby upon tightening of said holding means, said coaxial line is substantially smoothly coupled to said coupling.

2. A coupling adapted for use with an ultrahigh-frequency coaxial-line-type conductor having inner and outer conductors and an outer insulation covering, the inner diameter of said outer conductor being in predetermined ratio relative to the outer diameter of said inner conductor; said coupling comprising coupling body means including coaxially disposed inner and outer conducting portions. the ratio of the inner diameter of said outer conducting portion to the outer diameter of said inner conducting portion being substantially equal to said predetermined ratio: said inner conducting portion being adaptcontinuation thereof and holding means tele- 1 scopically adjustable on said coupling body means. said holding means having gripping surfaces cooperable with gripping surfaces on said coupling body means for securing said outer conductor to said coupling body means substantially without altering 'said predetermined diametral ratio, and means dening a recess in said holding means for embracing the adjacent end of said outer insulation covering.

3. In a coupling for a flexible ultra-high-frequency transmission line having coaxial inner and outer conductors spaced by insulation, the diameters of said conductors being in a predetermined fixed ratio, hollow body means adapted to telescopically receive at least a portion of said transmission line and having an externally tapered annular portion thereof of an inner diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of said line outer conductor and insertable between said insulation and said outer conductor, holding means having at least a portion adjustably carried by said body means and having a surface cooperable with said tapered portion for clamping said outer conductor therebetween, thereby securing said body means to said outer conductor as a substantially smooth extension of said outer conductor, and means within said body means for telescopically receiving said line inner conductor and providing a continuation thereof substantially without altering said predetermined ratio. y

4. The coupling defined in claim 3, wherein said transmission line is wrapped in an outer insulation covering and said coupling further comprises means in said holding means defining a substantially annular recess for receiving the adjacent end of said outer insulation covering.

5. In a coupling for an ultra-high-frequency flexible coaxial-line conductor of which the diameters of the outer and inner conductors respectively are in a predetermined fixed ratio, the combination comprising a tubular coupling body having an axial bore of inner diameter equal to the inner diameter of said outer conductor and also having a conical conductor-clamping face, an insulator plug in said coupling body having an axial bore, a thin-walled hollow conductor tube coaxially supported in said insulator plug and adapted to receive said inner conductor therewithin as a substantially smooth continuation thereof, and a holding member threaded with said body member having a conductor-clamping face opposite said ilrst-named face, said faces being adapted to grip said outer conductor therebetween, securing said line to said coupling as a straight-through connection of substantially constant diametral ratio.

6. 'I'he coupling defined in claim 5, wherein one of said gripping faces is arcuate and the other is substantially ilat.

7. The coupling defined in claim 5 further characterized by a flexible insulation sheath surrounding said outer conductor, and means in said holding member defining a cylindrical collar portion adapted to be inserted between said outer conductor and said sheath and also defining means receiving the end of said sheath adjacent said coupling.

8. The coupling defined in claim 5, 4wherein said thin-walled conductor tube is longitudinally split thereby rendering said conductor tube lradi-- ally expansible whereby tight electrical contact between said inner conductor and said conductor tube may be obtained.

9. A coupling adapted for use between a flexible coaxial line and a rigid coaxial line having outer conductors of substantially equal inner diameter and also having inner conductors of substantially equal outer diameter, said flexible coaxial line having an outer insulating covering and also having insulating material between its inner and outer conductors, said coupling comprising a hollow coupling body including a rst section whose inner diameter is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the outer conductors of the said rigid and ilexible coaxial lines, and also including a second sectionA of enlarged diameter connected to said first section and adapted to receive said rigid line outer conductor, said rst section having an inclined annular relatively short clamping face at the end opposite said second section, said clamping face being adapted to be inserted between the outer conductor and the insulating material of the said flexible coaxial line; a hollow holding member telescopically adjustable on said hollow coupling body, said hollow holding body having means including a cylindrical collar portion dening an annular recess and adapted to receive the free end of the outer insulating covering of the said flexible coaxial line, said cylindrical collar portion being adapted to be inserted betweenthe outer insulating covering and the outer conductor of said flexible line, said hollow holding body means also having an internal clamping face adapted to cooperate with the in clined clamping face of said hollow coupling body to clamp the outer conductor oi the said flexible coaxial line therebetween; an insulator plug FREDERICK L. SALISBURY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 15 Number Name Date 1,896,444 Fossati Feb. 7, 1933 2,067,614 Mascuch Jan. 12, 1937 2,152,504 Scott et al Mar. 28, 1939 2,352,159 Brodie June 27. 1944 2,179,971 Wentz Nov. 14, 1939 1,975,885 Wellman Oct. 9, 1934 2,296,766 Bruno Sept. 22, 1942 2,294,432 Weidner Sept. 1, 1942 2,173,643 Moser Sept. 19, 1939 1,060,600 Jamieson et al. May 6, 1913 2,368,566 Peterson Jan. 30, 1945 2,312,757 Frei Mar. 2, 1943 2,123,061 Paasche July 5, 1938 1,718,817 Greene June 25, 1929 2,118,103 Oeding May 24, 1938 2,241,687 Warnke May 13, 1941 2,300,714 Tognola Nov. 3. 1942 s FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 558,666 France Aug. 31, 1923 

